Doxycycline

General Description: Doxycycline is an oral tetracycline antibiotic used in dogs and cats to treat many bacterial infections, especially those carried by ticks. To reduce stomach upset, give doxycycline with a meal. Doxycycline is available as tablets, capsules, oral suspension or as an injection. A gel formula is also used after some dental procedures.

What is this drug?

A tetracycline antibiotic
Given by mouth or as a dental preparation
Reasons for prescribing:

Useful to treat a variety of bacterial infections in dogs and cats including leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis and many diseases carried by ticks
Gel formulation is used in dogs after dental surgery to fight bacteria causing periodontal disease
What dogs/cats should not take this medication?

Pets known to have had an allergic reaction to doxycycline or other antibiotics
Use with caution in pregnant females
Nursing females and young animals
Directions:

For liquids, shake well before accurately measuring the dose.

Give with food to reduce the incidence of vomiting.

When pilling cats, ensure that the medication is followed by at least a teaspoon of water or a favorite liquid (tuna water). Do not ‘dry-pill’.

Give doxycycline 1-2 hours before or after any supplements or medications containing aluminum, calcium, magnesium or zinc.

Give doxycycline 3 hours before or 2 hours after any oral iron supplements or medications.

Give medication as directed by your veterinarian. This medication is usually givenonce or twice daily .

Read and follow the label carefully.

Give the exact amount prescribed and only as often as directed. Missed doses reduce the effectiveness of therapy.

Finish the entire course of treatment.

Ideally, give the medication at the same time daily.

What if dose is missed?

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as you can. If it is time already for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the normal schedule. Do not give two doses at the same time.

What to tell/ask veterinarian before giving medication?

Talk to your veterinarian about:

When will your pet need to be rechecked
What tests may need to be performed prior to and during treatment with this drug
Risks and benefits of using this drug
Tell your veterinarian about:

If your pet has experienced side-effects on other drugs/products
If your pet has experienced digestive upset now or ever
If your pet has experienced liver disease now or ever
If your pet has experienced any other medical problems or allergies now or ever
All medicines and supplements that you are giving your pet or plan to give your pet, including those you can get without a prescription. Your veterinarian may want to check that all of your pet’s medicines can be given together.
If your pet is pregnant or nursing or if you plan to breed your pet
Storage and Warnings:

Store capsules and tablets in tight, light resistant, childproof containers in a dry place at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.

After reconstitution, the oral suspension is stable for 14 days at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Keep this and all medication out of reach of children and pets. Call your physician immediately if you accidentally take this product.

Pet owners allergic to doxycycline and/or other antibiotics should avoid handling this drug.

Potential side effects:

Decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian if pet experiences severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Bone and teeth abnormalities in young animals are less likely with doxycycline than other tetracyclines
Damage to esophagus in cats from ‘dry-pilling’. Ensure cat eats or drinks after receiving capsule or tablet form
Superinfections have occurred in long-term tetracycline therapy
Skin sensitivities (pustules or blisters on skin exposed to sun). Use caution when exposing pet to sunlight.
Reported cases in human medicine of liver conditions and blood abnormalities
It is important to stop therapy and contact your veterinarian immediately if you think you pet has a medical problem or side effect from this product’s therapy
Can this drug be given with other drugs?